From Left to Right - Ryan, Bryan, Darren, Raine, Sydney What is the primary goal of reconstruction? Our plan for reconstruction focuses on two primary objectives: reunification and civil rights. Our solvency rests upon three major pillars: the reversion of Southern states to territory status until compliant state constitutions are ratified; enactment of a “Marshall Plan” to subsidize Southern industrialization and infrastructure construction; and the implementation of a federal, vocational boarding school to educate both North, South, Black and White.
Territories Until Ratified
To encourage Southern sentiments to rejoin the Union, non-punitive measures will be pursued. Legally, the Southern states will be reverted to territories (with no voting power) that must draft a new state Constitution that upholds universal civil rights and suffrage, and abolishes slavery and “creative” devices of servitude. To be readmitted, this new Constitution must pass a two-thirds majority in both popular referendum and Congress’s Houses; thenceforth, all previous rights will be resumed.
Rebuilding Infrastructure
To solve the conundrum of wartime devastation, a post-WWII inspired funding program will be instituted. These funds will facilitate the recovery and augmentation of Southern agriculture, transportation, industry, and other infrastructure, elevating Southern economy to self-sufficiency. Southerners, and particularly ex-soldiers, will be responsible for these construction tasks.
Federal Education
To remediate the widespread illiteracy, poverty, and racism festering in both South and North, funds will be apportioned to construct and staff a mandatory, federal boarding university. This institution will employ nonpartisan curriculum, emphasizing practical vocational skills that are both directly applicable and necessary in bolstering national output. While the student body will be multiracial, there will be no frivolous “racial sensitivity classes,” as the only effective antibiotic to racism is direct, unbiased exposure. Any administrators and teachers will be appointed by a commission, with emphasis on impartiality. Unfortunately, such a school will likely be magnets of Southern ire and insurgency, thus necessitating a protective guard, drafted in mere month-long shifts. What should be done to the ex-Confederates? The former soldiers of the CSA must pledge unwavering allegiance to the United States, alongside their fellow citizens. They will also serve to help rebuild the Southern cities and industries. Those who still strongly oppose the government may be redirected to hospitality in Mexico and Honduras, and have the benefits of doing so laid out to them. Meanwhile, the main ringleaders of the CSA will either be exiled to Canada or Mexico, or imprisoned, anything to keep them out of the public eye and interest, without raising suspicions or anger from the Southerners. This balance will keep Southern feelings of injustice or potential revolution again to a minimum, as those who led the secession will not be made readily available and not vocal, but will also quickly deal with Confederate leaders and put them out of memory, mind, and power. By dealing with them quickly, more time and resources can then be geared towards actual reconstruction. Any KKK members that are recognized are to be trialed by a mixed jury to determine their fate. What should be done for the freedmen?
The Freedmen’s Bureau should provide enough protection for registered black voters and aspiring senators, especially in the more racist states, such as Mississippi. It will also become an executive agency with expanded powers who which will take a yearly census. Land that is abandoned by its owners or confiscated from confederate ring leaders should be redistributed as best possible to any blacks wanting to pursue farming. The 13th through 15th amendment will be passed over the original Reconstruction era. Who should be able to vote and hold office in the new Southern state governments?
All males and females who are 18 or older are allowed a vote, regardless of skin color. Voting processes shall be enforced by Union military and violent rioters/gangs shall be shot on sight. Any peaceful protesting will be left unharmed until they are deemed dangerous and threatening to the safety of others around them. Tests for voting shall be abolished and all voting procedures will be carried out under the supervision of Union military. Immediately, white men will be allowed to run for local governments. Black men and all women will be given full rights to run for office 8 years after this plan is carried out if the atmosphere is not as hostile to change anymore. What requirements must be met before states regain full rights and representation?
In the aftermath of the civil war, it has been decided that direct integration of the southern states into the union could be a dangerous move. This is echoed in the fears of the Republican Congress of 1868, who tried to bar southern congressmen from office after they had been voted in. A sudden reintegration of southern Democrats into Congress may substantially reduce the effectiveness and passability of new Republican legislation, especially with African Americans receiving full citizenship, which would increase House representation for the South. To combat this, southern states will be initially demoted to US territories with their original boundaries in place. They will be stripped of all voting rights and the federal government will assume temporary control over the region. After these territories have written an enforceable state constitution that abides by the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments as well as not having any rule that discriminates against African Americans, the territories will, every year, independently hold referendums for statehood in which all residents, black and white, may vote for readmission as states. A vote for statehood also includes a pledge of ultimate fealty to the Union. Once a ⅔ majority is reached for statehood, Congress will vote to grant the region statehood based on a joint vote by both houses that needs a simple majority to pass. Once admitted, states will receive federal subsidies for the industrialization of their economy with a focus on agriculture and rail systems. These subsidies will provide an incentive for a broken South to pledge allegiance to the United States willingly. They will also be provided with representation within Congress according to their population, further incentivizing the South to change their policies. How should the Southern economy be restored? In order to kick start the restoration of the Southern economy, we propose changing the 1864 income tax rate and asking for more from the rich, North businessmen. Not only that, but to de-incentivize Northern businesses from growing in the South and taking advantage of poor Southerners, Northern businesses will be made to pay more in taxes to the government if they spread down South. The reason for stopping Northern businesses from spreading down South is to keep the Southern people happy and not feel like they are being economically "conquered" by the North. In order to incentivize Southern economic and company growth, growing Southern companies attempting to industrialize the South will be given federal grants or given tax relief as long as the territory has achieved statehood through the way listed above. The employment of ex-Confederate soldiers is also a necessary to help rebuild the Southern infrastructure and cities. As we saw in post-WWII agreements, such as the Marshall Plan, by giving money to help a floundering economy, not only did they help fix economic problems, but also discontent and allowed for political stability. By instilling the Southern economy with money and helping grow Southern industry, we can fix the discontent the Southerners felt and allow for a more stable political environment for everyone in order to advance the agenda of anti-racism and civil rights. Plantations within the South will continue to be worked, but only if the owners pay their workers a livable amount and treat them fairly. If they will not pay their workers or treat them fairly, their land will be confiscated and redistributed to those very workers, giving them incentive to pay and treat their workers fairly. We can add another incentive by saying that the more you pay your workers, the less tax you will have to pay, giving a reward incentive to the owners. This has to be enforced in the state constitution mentioned earlier that will grant the territory statehood, if this is not enforced, they we cannot admit them as a state, We can also help to industrialize Southern plantation if we grant them more money. This will boost the Southern economy even more. And since cotton is slowly going out of the market, we propose legalizing and growing hemp. Not only will this be a new crop to market to other countries, but they can also be used in the form of hemp to make clothing, paper, textiles, paint, food, animal feed, insulation, and biofuel. It also grows faster than cotton and is considered one of the fastest growing plants. As long as hemp’s THC content is kept low, it can continue to be grown legally. Hemp also cleans air and soil of toxic substances, helping to clean up the damage done to the South. As stated by an article from 1938, hemp “is a billion dollar crop” and has “more than 25,000 uses”. This crop is the crop to prop up the entire Southern economy and get it booming again, not only that, but this would lead to companies forming businesses around turning hemp into products. What role should Union troops play in policing, governing, or rebuilding the South? The deployment of union troops is vital for keeping the peace in the south while the economic, political, and social ties between the North and South rebuild. Our group has decided to deploy union troops to aid with rebuilding cities and aiding the injured, while secretly performing non invasive policing at the same time. The troops will be stationed all around the South and in major cities, the southerners will be told they are here to protect the people, however they shall also help enforce civil right laws, prevent terrorist groups such as the KKK from arising and wreaking havoc, and manage general policing. The military will be paid via taxpayer money and categorized under infrastructure to avoid public outrage. When the territory these troops are in officially becomes a state under a new state constitution approved by Congress and the populace, these states will have the option or remove these troops from their borders, providing more incentive for Southern territories. The primary goal of reconstruction.
Above all, our plan aims to avoid the folly of overnight social reconstitution--a maneuver that invites counterrevolution--and instead focuses on providing tangible incentives and benefits both in the Southern region, and across the nation. Through a short-term Constitution gated territory status, a medium-term infrastructure amelioration, and a long-term federal university and schooling system, our solvency expedites both sturdy reunification and universal civil rights, serving not only to reconstruct the nation, but vault towards the high ground. Response - To The Weldenators Prepare a response to an "opposition" group. In your response you will need to point out the flaws and weaknesses and/or the strengths of their plan. The day after we present, be sure to upload your response at the bottom of their page. You will also need to be ready to challenge their plan in class, as their group presents.
First off, The Weldenators wish to add women suffrage to the 14th Amendment when really the right to vote is better fitted under the 15th Amendment, so it will be referenced as the 15th Amendment from here on out. The push to add women suffrage to the 15th Amendment is a good idea, however it is impractical. There is reason to believe that if women suffrage was added to the 15th Amendment, the amendment wouldn't have been passed. This is because before 1920 and the passage of the 19th Amendment, states were allowed to vote for women's voting rights in their individual state. Not even before then did most of the states vote for women's suffrage. So, although it would be nice to kill two birds with one stone The 15th Amendment would not have been passed under that kin\, and therefore, if implemented, people of color would not get their civil rights.
The idea of having a third great awakening. They are under the impression that the US government will hire priests to convert southerners into believing the evils of racism. However there are multiple errors with this idea. The first being it is unconstitutional. The constitution said that it would not associate with religion “thus building a wall of separation between church and State” in order to prevent the US from forcing religion unto its citizens. This proposition by The Weldenators would do just that by organizing a governmental missionary operation. The next problem is the effectiveness of this solution. The government's missionaries would be sent down to a crowd who is unwilling to listen, they would scream hopelessly from a podium while the crowds pass by with no reason to abandon their own racist pastors and priests. Clearly, this idea will not work.
Next, the idea of propaganda. While subtle propaganda may pay off, large scale propaganda as suggested like “pamphlets” will only cause outrage at “the North’s attempt to brainwash” the South.
As for what to do with the confederate soldiers, we agree for the most part, but we believe that if they are to become citizens of the Union they must pledge allegiance to the North. The Weldenators are letting the South off too easy. The Confederate leaders must be put out of the public eye by either exile to execution, if they are left to remain in the population the possibility of another uprising remains too high.
In the way of states rights, the Weldenators suggest raising the percentage of vote necessary for readmission. Yet they fail to provide a solution for the meantime, therefore leaving the blacks to fend for themselves in an ex-Confederate state completely unmanaged by the Union.
For rebuilding the Southern economy they said they would build railroads to allow settlers to move west and make more plantations. The problem with this is that it isn’t doing anything to help the Southern economy itself, the Southern states would still be devastated by the war. In fact, by sending people out west that could stay in the South to help repair it, they are effectively damaging the Southern economy even more, going completely contradictory to the solution needed by the question. The purchase of Alaska seems to be randomly thrown in and says nothing about how this may help the Southern economy besides “natural resources”, a very broad term.
Finally, their usage of Union troops is wasteful and ineffective as the reason blacks were unable to vote, for the most part, is not because they were being threatened at the voting booths, but because they were being tortured and harassed at home into not voting. By failing to stop the KKK, even if only a little bit, they also fail to allow black men a vote. Their entire plan fails to address the entire issue presented by the problem.
What is the primary goal of reconstruction?
Our plan for reconstruction focuses on two primary objectives: reunification and civil rights. Our solvency rests upon three major pillars: the reversion of Southern states to territory status until compliant state constitutions are ratified; enactment of a “Marshall Plan” to subsidize Southern industrialization and infrastructure construction; and the implementation of a federal, vocational boarding school to educate both North, South, Black and White.
Territories Until Ratified
To encourage Southern sentiments to rejoin the Union, non-punitive measures will be pursued. Legally, the Southern states will be reverted to territories (with no voting power) that must draft a new state Constitution that upholds universal civil rights and suffrage, and abolishes slavery and “creative” devices of servitude. To be readmitted, this new Constitution must pass a two-thirds majority in both popular referendum and Congress’s Houses; thenceforth, all previous rights will be resumed.Rebuilding Infrastructure
To solve the conundrum of wartime devastation, a post-WWII inspired funding program will be instituted. These funds will facilitate the recovery and augmentation of Southern agriculture, transportation, industry, and other infrastructure, elevating Southern economy to self-sufficiency. Southerners, and particularly ex-soldiers, will be responsible for these construction tasks.Federal Education
To remediate the widespread illiteracy, poverty, and racism festering in both South and North, funds will be apportioned to construct and staff a mandatory, federal boarding university. This institution will employ nonpartisan curriculum, emphasizing practical vocational skills that are both directly applicable and necessary in bolstering national output. While the student body will be multiracial, there will be no frivolous “racial sensitivity classes,” as the only effective antibiotic to racism is direct, unbiased exposure. Any administrators and teachers will be appointed by a commission, with emphasis on impartiality. Unfortunately, such a school will likely be magnets of Southern ire and insurgency, thus necessitating a protective guard, drafted in mere month-long shifts.What should be done to the ex-Confederates?
The former soldiers of the CSA must pledge unwavering allegiance to the United States, alongside their fellow citizens. They will also serve to help rebuild the Southern cities and industries. Those who still strongly oppose the government may be redirected to hospitality in Mexico and Honduras, and have the benefits of doing so laid out to them. Meanwhile, the main ringleaders of the CSA will either be exiled to Canada or Mexico, or imprisoned, anything to keep them out of the public eye and interest, without raising suspicions or anger from the Southerners. This balance will keep Southern feelings of injustice or potential revolution again to a minimum, as those who led the secession will not be made readily available and not vocal, but will also quickly deal with Confederate leaders and put them out of memory, mind, and power. By dealing with them quickly, more time and resources can then be geared towards actual reconstruction. Any KKK members that are recognized are to be trialed by a mixed jury to determine their fate.
What should be done for the freedmen?
The Freedmen’s Bureau should provide enough protection for registered black voters and aspiring senators, especially in the more racist states, such as Mississippi. It will also become an executive agency with expanded powers who which will take a yearly census. Land that is abandoned by its owners or confiscated from confederate ring leaders should be redistributed as best possible to any blacks wanting to pursue farming. The 13th through 15th amendment will be passed over the original Reconstruction era.
Who should be able to vote and hold office in the new Southern state governments?
All males and females who are 18 or older are allowed a vote, regardless of skin color. Voting processes shall be enforced by Union military and violent rioters/gangs shall be shot on sight. Any peaceful protesting will be left unharmed until they are deemed dangerous and threatening to the safety of others around them. Tests for voting shall be abolished and all voting procedures will be carried out under the supervision of Union military. Immediately, white men will be allowed to run for local governments. Black men and all women will be given full rights to run for office 8 years after this plan is carried out if the atmosphere is not as hostile to change anymore.
What requirements must be met before states regain full rights and representation?
In the aftermath of the civil war, it has been decided that direct integration of the southern states into the union could be a dangerous move. This is echoed in the fears of the Republican Congress of 1868, who tried to bar southern congressmen from office after they had been voted in. A sudden reintegration of southern Democrats into Congress may substantially reduce the effectiveness and passability of new Republican legislation, especially with African Americans receiving full citizenship, which would increase House representation for the South. To combat this, southern states will be initially demoted to US territories with their original boundaries in place. They will be stripped of all voting rights and the federal government will assume temporary control over the region.
After these territories have written an enforceable state constitution that abides by the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments as well as not having any rule that discriminates against African Americans, the territories will, every year, independently hold referendums for statehood in which all residents, black and white, may vote for readmission as states. A vote for statehood also includes a pledge of ultimate fealty to the Union. Once a ⅔ majority is reached for statehood, Congress will vote to grant the region statehood based on a joint vote by both houses that needs a simple majority to pass. Once admitted, states will receive federal subsidies for the industrialization of their economy with a focus on agriculture and rail systems. These subsidies will provide an incentive for a broken South to pledge allegiance to the United States willingly. They will also be provided with representation within Congress according to their population, further incentivizing the South to change their policies.
How should the Southern economy be restored?
In order to kick start the restoration of the Southern economy, we propose changing the 1864 income tax rate and asking for more from the rich, North businessmen. Not only that, but to de-incentivize Northern businesses from growing in the South and taking advantage of poor Southerners, Northern businesses will be made to pay more in taxes to the government if they spread down South. The reason for stopping Northern businesses from spreading down South is to keep the Southern people happy and not feel like they are being economically "conquered" by the North. In order to incentivize Southern economic and company growth, growing Southern companies attempting to industrialize the South will be given federal grants or given tax relief as long as the territory has achieved statehood through the way listed above. The employment of ex-Confederate soldiers is also a necessary to help rebuild the Southern infrastructure and cities.
As we saw in post-WWII agreements, such as the Marshall Plan, by giving money to help a floundering economy, not only did they help fix economic problems, but also discontent and allowed for political stability. By instilling the Southern economy with money and helping grow Southern industry, we can fix the discontent the Southerners felt and allow for a more stable political environment for everyone in order to advance the agenda of anti-racism and civil rights.
Plantations within the South will continue to be worked, but only if the owners pay their workers a livable amount and treat them fairly. If they will not pay their workers or treat them fairly, their land will be confiscated and redistributed to those very workers, giving them incentive to pay and treat their workers fairly. We can add another incentive by saying that the more you pay your workers, the less tax you will have to pay, giving a reward incentive to the owners. This has to be enforced in the state constitution mentioned earlier that will grant the territory statehood, if this is not enforced, they we cannot admit them as a state, We can also help to industrialize Southern plantation if we grant them more money. This will boost the Southern economy even more. And since cotton is slowly going out of the market, we propose legalizing and growing hemp. Not only will this be a new crop to market to other countries, but they can also be used in the form of hemp to make clothing, paper, textiles, paint, food, animal feed, insulation, and biofuel. It also grows faster than cotton and is considered one of the fastest growing plants. As long as hemp’s THC content is kept low, it can continue to be grown legally. Hemp also cleans air and soil of toxic substances, helping to clean up the damage done to the South. As stated by an article from 1938, hemp “is a billion dollar crop” and has “more than 25,000 uses”. This crop is the crop to prop up the entire Southern economy and get it booming again, not only that, but this would lead to companies forming businesses around turning hemp into products.
What role should Union troops play in policing, governing, or rebuilding the South?
The deployment of union troops is vital for keeping the peace in the south while the economic, political, and social ties between the North and South rebuild. Our group has decided to deploy union troops to aid with rebuilding cities and aiding the injured, while secretly performing non invasive policing at the same time. The troops will be stationed all around the South and in major cities, the southerners will be told they are here to protect the people, however they shall also help enforce civil right laws, prevent terrorist groups such as the KKK from arising and wreaking havoc, and manage general policing. The military will be paid via taxpayer money and categorized under infrastructure to avoid public outrage. When the territory these troops are in officially becomes a state under a new state constitution approved by Congress and the populace, these states will have the option or remove these troops from their borders, providing more incentive for Southern territories.
The primary goal of reconstruction.
Above all, our plan aims to avoid the folly of overnight social reconstitution--a maneuver that invites counterrevolution--and instead focuses on providing tangible incentives and benefits both in the Southern region, and across the nation. Through a short-term Constitution gated territory status, a medium-term infrastructure amelioration, and a long-term federal university and schooling system, our solvency expedites both sturdy reunification and universal civil rights, serving not only to reconstruct the nation, but vault towards the high ground.
Response - To The Weldenators
Prepare a response to an "opposition" group. In your response you will need to point out the flaws and weaknesses and/or the strengths of their plan. The day after we present, be sure to upload your response at the bottom of their page. You will also need to be ready to challenge their plan in class, as their group presents.
First off, The Weldenators wish to add women suffrage to the 14th Amendment when really the right to vote is better fitted under the 15th Amendment, so it will be referenced as the 15th Amendment from here on out. The push to add women suffrage to the 15th Amendment is a good idea, however it is impractical. There is reason to believe that if women suffrage was added to the 15th Amendment, the amendment wouldn't have been passed. This is because before 1920 and the passage of the 19th Amendment, states were allowed to vote for women's voting rights in their individual state. Not even before then did most of the states vote for women's suffrage. So, although it would be nice to kill two birds with one stone The 15th Amendment would not have been passed under that kin\, and therefore, if implemented, people of color would not get their civil rights.
The idea of having a third great awakening. They are under the impression that the US government will hire priests to convert southerners into believing the evils of racism. However there are multiple errors with this idea. The first being it is unconstitutional. The constitution said that it would not associate with religion “thus building a wall of separation between church and State” in order to prevent the US from forcing religion unto its citizens. This proposition by The Weldenators would do just that by organizing a governmental missionary operation. The next problem is the effectiveness of this solution. The government's missionaries would be sent down to a crowd who is unwilling to listen, they would scream hopelessly from a podium while the crowds pass by with no reason to abandon their own racist pastors and priests. Clearly, this idea will not work.
Next, the idea of propaganda. While subtle propaganda may pay off, large scale propaganda as suggested like “pamphlets” will only cause outrage at “the North’s attempt to brainwash” the South.
As for what to do with the confederate soldiers, we agree for the most part, but we believe that if they are to become citizens of the Union they must pledge allegiance to the North. The Weldenators are letting the South off too easy. The Confederate leaders must be put out of the public eye by either exile to execution, if they are left to remain in the population the possibility of another uprising remains too high.
In the way of states rights, the Weldenators suggest raising the percentage of vote necessary for readmission. Yet they fail to provide a solution for the meantime, therefore leaving the blacks to fend for themselves in an ex-Confederate state completely unmanaged by the Union.
For rebuilding the Southern economy they said they would build railroads to allow settlers to move west and make more plantations. The problem with this is that it isn’t doing anything to help the Southern economy itself, the Southern states would still be devastated by the war. In fact, by sending people out west that could stay in the South to help repair it, they are effectively damaging the Southern economy even more, going completely contradictory to the solution needed by the question. The purchase of Alaska seems to be randomly thrown in and says nothing about how this may help the Southern economy besides “natural resources”, a very broad term.
Finally, their usage of Union troops is wasteful and ineffective as the reason blacks were unable to vote, for the most part, is not because they were being threatened at the voting booths, but because they were being tortured and harassed at home into not voting. By failing to stop the KKK, even if only a little bit, they also fail to allow black men a vote. Their entire plan fails to address the entire issue presented by the problem.